A statement was made in the early stages of this year’s draft, a statement that came with a lot of mixed opinions in Chicago.

With the Bears in full rebuild mode their number three pick was important. For many it meant a strong defensive back, a guy like LSU’s Jamal Adams, to help out the team’s currently weak secondary. For others, going the quarterback route was still the answer. Clemson’s Deshaun Watson was a favored pick, coming in as one of the most experienced quarterback’s in the draft.

When the draft finally began, it didn’t take long for Bears General Manager Ryan Pace to make his first move. The Cleveland Browns were on the clock when word of a trade between the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears broke. The two decided to swap picks.

The trade seemed odd.

The Bears were already in a great position to nab a key player. Moving up one spot couldn’t make that much of a difference. However, in Ryan Pace’s mind it must have been the only way to assure they would get their man. A man that 24 hours later would be greeted by a mix of boo’s and obligatory cheers at the United Center during, what would be, the Chicago Bulls last game of the season.

It took the third overall pick, a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick and the Bears 2018 third-round pick to move up, one spot, to the second pick in the 2017 draft.

The Bears were on the clock.

Already on the edge of their seats, Bears fans were waiting to see who was worth giving up a four pick pack.

Was it Deshaun Watson? Could it really be Jamal Adams?

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell headed to the podium for only the second time that night, and was already about to announce the pick that would have everyone talking.

“With the second pick in the 2017 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select, Mitchell Trubisky. Quarterback, North Carolina.”

The question was answered. It may not have been the correct answer, but it was answered. The Chicago Bears traded up to draft, a hopeful, franchise quarterback.

While drafting the position didn’t come as a surprise, the player definitely did. Chicago wasn’t expecting to hear Trubisky’s name called, especially since the likelihood of picking him with the Bears original No. 3 spot was rather high.

Trading those picks for Mitchell Trubisky is like paying $20 for a bottle of water at Coachella only to spill it on the desert floor. #Bears

Trubisky isn’t a bad pick. However, the question now is whether or not the 22-year-old will be worth the four pick investment. Two experienced quarterback’s were available for the taking in Watson and Mahomes, but the Bears decided to pass on both for a guy that has only made 13 collegiate starts. The inexperience for Trubisky is what many see as his greatest weakness. While his one season as a starter with North Carolina was impressive, it was merely one season. There isn’t a lot of film to look back on and expecting a one year college starter to transition smoothly into the NFL is a tough pill to swallow.

The plan with Trubisky would be to let him marinate. Earlier this offseason the Bears signed free agent quarterback Mike Glennon, who’s upside they can test out during this upcoming season. However, with this drafting of Trubisky, Glennon’s time in Chicago will, most likely, be temporary.

While people across the nation found the Bears trade to be ill advised, the true outcome will only be seen once Trubisky takes the field. Looking past the crazy nature of the trade itself, Trubisky has demonstrated an extreme upside. He is a solid pocket-passer that can go on the move when needed. Not to mention, he will add to the already young energy of the Bears offense.

It’s also important to note that Trubisky is a workable option for the Bears. Many of the weaknesses that come along with him can be fixed with the appropriate guidance. He has poor downfield accuracy, which is most likely a factor of his little experience and the UNC style of offense. The more time Trubisky can get on the practice field at the NFL level, the better some of these areas will become.

A vital time for Trubisky will be his chance to matchup against NFL caliber players during the preseason. This will be a great chance for, not only fans to see his style of play, but for Trubisky to get more comfortable and figure out the areas that need adjusting.

It’s hard to see the upside of a player when it masked by the troubled opinions of a trade. Trubisky is a new quarterback that needs work, but which new quarterback doesn’t? In the end, only time will tell whether or not the name Trubisky will be worn across the backs of fans in Soldier Field bleachers, so set your clocks.

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About Elias Schuster

A sophomore majoring in Journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Elias covers the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Fighting Illini Football and Basketball for isportsweb.com. He also acts as the Assistant Sports Editor for Video at The Daily Illini. Follow him on twitter @Schuster_Elias